Many engaged brides and grooms set health and fitness goals, aiming to get in top shape for their wedding day. If you are not sure where to start, this article is for you. Before you make any moves to join a gym or hire a trainer, consider fitness apps. From wearables to apps, the fitness industry is getting a tech boost that’s catching on.
Fitness apps have grown rapidly in recent years, thanks in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, nearly half of Americans used virtual workouts and other digital fitness solutions. With over 2 billion active users, fitness apps are one of the most popular categories in the app store, according to Dr. Muscle.
“For the nearly half of all U.S. adults who make fitness-related goals, technology such as wearable devices and apps can be key to keeping this pledge,” says A’Naja Newsome, Ph.D., a researcher and assistant professor at the University of Central Florida. “Technology has really been adapted and modified to be appealing to a wide genre of exercisers. People just really have to prioritize what’s going to be important to them right now and invest in that.”
Your Goals, Your Way
There’s no one-size-fits-all for fitness apps. Start by identifying your fitness goals. Newsome says. Whether you’re planning to get back to weight training and cardio, or signing up for your first yoga class, there’s something for everyone to keep you focused on your goal.
“We have so many of these wearable devices that can track things like heart rate, calories, steps and more,” Newsome says. “And then we have things like mobile apps where people can use paid or free services to track their daily physical activity behaviors.”
If you are new to fitness tech, Newsome suggests starting with mobile apps that come with quick and simple workouts; and if you value aesthetics, consider investing in wearables that also serve as a fashion piece.
Physical activity tracking devices have historically been geared to sport-specific athletes, particularly in running and cycling. However, it has expanded to outdoor sports like hiking, climbing and swimming. There are even fitness apps for flexibility and mobility training and special populations like pre- and postnatal individuals.
The expansion of technology is bringing us back to basic fitness practices with a focus on everyday activities and movements such as time spent standing, daily steps, breathing and meditation rather than specific, structured exercise routines.
“Wearable technology now is telling us what is happening with the rest of our day,” says Newsome. “What is happening with our sleep? What is happening with our steps? What is happening with our sedentary behavior?”
Newsome says she expects the mobile apps and wearable device markets to continue to grow in 2025. The next frontier is integrating these technologies into healthcare in the future, allowing for more holistic treatment plans and monitoring capabilities.
Make It Personal
Choosing new fitness technology is a personal decision based on individual values and priorities. According to Newsome, artificial intelligence (AI) is taking personalization even further by creating workout plans tailored to your unique data.
“AI is generating these customizable workouts for your home gym, for on-the-go, your travel, for those who are short on time,” she says. “That’s going to reach a demographic of people who maybe thought that they didn’t have the time to exercise or for those who just didn’t have the know-how to exercise.”
Like with any new exercise, it is advised that you consult with an exercise professional or your medical provider before embarking on a new fitness regimen or making significant changes based on wearable technology data. Newsome also advises to not rely on technology so much that it creates a barrier to reaching your goals, like skipping a workout because your smart watch ran out of battery.
With all the innovations that promise to up your performance and get you moving, there’s never been a better time to conquer your fitness goals for your wedding. Fitness technology can give you a push, but the most important piece of equipment is your willpower, and all it takes is the first step. You’ve got this!